Q&A with Nicky Galasso: What's Next and Why He's Leaving UNC

Inside Lacrosse spoke with 2010 No. 1 recruit Nicky Galasso Wednesday afternoon after news broke of his release from North Carolina and a report that he'd had a conversation with Syracuse's lacrosse program.

IL caught up with Galasso about his experience at Carolina and his decision to leave, what's next and how he'll make sure he's ready upon arrival at his next program. But first, he discussed his recruitment process and how the decision to become a Tar Heel may have influenced his decision to leave.

How did the recruiting process go for you?
I was highly recruited out of high school. All the top schools that kids dream of going to were all recruiting me. Going through that process was awesome because you're in high school and you get all this attention from top programs and coaches. It's an awesome feeling, but what you don't realize is you have all these coaches talking to you and everything is up in the air. At such a young age, you don't know what you want yet. I was looking at the schools I would fit and wouldn't fit at. I didn't visit many schools. I'm glad I chose UNC. I had a great year as a freshman, a great academic experience, but sometimes I wish I opened up my horizons a little more. I think coaches are putting pressure on 14, 15, 16 year old kids that are trying to make a decision that they have no idea what they're making. It's a tough process but at the same time it's really exciting.

What other schools did you consider prior to committing to North Carolina?
I was talking to a lot of schools. Syracuse, Maryland, Hofstra, Rutgers, I emailed all the coaches. I was looking everywhere. I didn't go on that many visits and I wish I did. [North Carolina] was my last visit. It happened so quick.

What are the positives you'll take from your North Carolina experience?
Obviously the relationships with the guys that I shared on the team. I live in a house with five guys and they're going to be my best friends for the rest of my life. Also, the decision-making, the time you have to put into athletics and academics in order to be successful in both. And that you have to put a positive outlook on the decisions you have to make. [Transferring] is a risk I'm willing to take, and I hope I'm happy.

How did last year's decision to play or redshirt after your foot injury affect the decision to leave Carolina?
It impacted it a lot because it was on my part and the coaches part. I should've redshirted. Watching during the season when I wasn't able to play, sitting on the sidelines really affected me emotionally. Coming back this year, I got in really good shape — I gained a lot of weight after my injury — and I got back in ridiculous shape, I lost 25 or 30 pounds. I did think this was the place I was going to be able to make an impact, but with all the talent that is here, I decided that I'd continue on somewhere else.

Reports say that you didn't participate in Sunday's Capital Lacrosse Classic scrimmages because of an injury. Given the timing of when your release was announced, how did that play out?
I had a strained muscles on my side and was getting tests done to make sure it wasn't anything internal like my liver or abdominal stuff. I talked to my dad about it and my dad din't want me to play because we saw what happened last year with playing in two scrimmages in the fall affecting my ability to redshirt. We knew how to handle that situation because of my foot. My dad was at my brother's tournament in Philly, drove to [D.C.] to see me, I told him to [come to North Carolina] and he stayed the night in Carolina. That's when we made my decision and talked to Coach Breschi.

What are the parameters of the release, specifically which programs can you transfer to without consequence?
Basically if I were to transfer to an ACC school — which I'm not considering right now — I'd lose a year of eligibility, though not Notre Dame and Syracuse who aren't in the ACC yet. If it is to a school [that's on North Carolina schedule in 2013 but not in the ACC], I'll have to sit out a year but I'd still have two years of eligibility left. I'm leaving my options open. I have to let it come to me.

Would you consider a school on UNC's schedule and sit out next spring?
Yea, I'd have to think about it. I would think about going home and possibly taking classes.

What are your plans for the rest of this semester?
I'm finishing up here. I have to finish up strong. I have good grades, but you have to finish up strong, if I were to go to a school with high academic standards to make sure everything would go smoothly. I'm not participating with the team, I'm not a part of the team. When I was home over the summer, I was doing CrossFit — that helped me get in shape and get stronger, faster, quicker and build better endurance. I don't have a [fitness] program down here in Carolina, so I'm going to shoot a lot, use the gym and run a lot.

Would a DII or DIII school potentially be in the mix?
I think I'm going to stay away from the DII or DIII schools right now. If I don't find a place that I fit in or find comfortable, that's a possibility, but I'd like to stay at the highest level in DI and improve my skills.

It's been reported that you've spoken with Syracuse? What are your thoughts on joining the Orange?
I'm looking at Syracuse, but all the options are open. That's a great program, and I could see myself playing at a program like that. But I have to see what other programs and coaches have to offer.